Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

REQUEST TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST 
“I am the living bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world…Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” (John 6:51-56)
 
 The Holy Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church’s life, for in it Christ associates His Church and all her members with His sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice He pours out the graces of salvation on His Body which is the Church.

The Eucharistic celebration always includes: the proclamation of the Word of God; thanksgiving to God the Father for all His benefits, above all the gift of His Beloved Son; the consecration of bread and wine; and participation in the Liturgical Banquet by receiving the Lord’s Body and Blood. These elements constitute one single act of worship.
 
 The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, that is, of the work of salvation accomplished by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, a work made present by the liturgical action.
 
 Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic Communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive Holy Communion without having received absolution in the Sacrament of Penance.
 
 Holy Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ increases the communicant’s union with the Lord, forgives his venial sins, and preserves him from grave sins. Since receiving this sacrament strengthens the bonds of charity between the communicant and Christ, it also reinforces the unity of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ.
 
 The Church warmly recommends that the faithful receive Holy Communion when they participate in the celebration of the Eucharist; she obliges them to do so at least once a year.
 
 PREPARATION FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AT SAINT MARTIN DE TOURS
 
 Traditionally, children receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion at the age of reason, or in the second grade. Saint Martin de Tours church assists parents in the formation and preparation of their children for the reception of these Sacraments. 
 
 Click here for St. Martin de Tours' Program of Preparation for First Holy Communion. Dates for the classes and other information related to First Holy Communion will be posted on this page and on our Church Facebook page well prior to the dates and times.  You can contact the Church office at 337-394-6021 or e-mail  [email protected]
 if you would like more information at this time.